Book Review: Make Me a Monster by Kalynn Bayron
As a fan of all things spooky, I was immediately drawn to Kalynn Bayron’s Make Me a Monster. The promise of a Frankenstein-inspired YA horror romance? Count me in! This book had me clutching my Pedro Pascal throw blanket in a true mix of fear and fascination, and I even found myself side-eyeing some mortuary details—because, you know, picky mortician here!
At the heart of the story is Meka, who navigates the complexities of life working in her family’s funeral home. Honestly, I could geek out over the little details that Bayron incorporates, like Dryene and eyecaps. My mortician brain was absolutely thrilled! Yet, I couldn’t help but cringe when I saw “coffin” instead of “casket.” If you know, you know—six-sided coffins are so 1800s! It’s like how healthcare workers must feel when watching Grey’s Anatomy. Meka’s essence is pure Tim Burton heroine; she has that lovely mix of grit and vulnerability, especially in her interactions with her chill boyfriend, Noah. Seriously, he’s the kind of guy who would make anyone want to bake cookies for him.
But then tragedy strikes, and boy, do things take a turn. The plot escalates with such intensity that I was stress-eating Twizzlers, clinging to every page. Meka’s world morphs into a haunted house, complete with gothic aesthetic and the overarching feeling that she’s being stalked by unseen forces. The atmospheric setting truly paints a landscape of foggy graveyards and lurking shadows, elevating the horror elements to something both thrilling and visceral.
Now, let’s talk about the clever twist: the Frankenstein motif. Bayron doesn’t simply retell the classic—she rejuvenates it. The themes of love, loss, and identity resonate deeply, and I may have even teared up while clutching my tissue box like it was Noah himself.
However, it wouldn’t be a genuine review without a little snark. The pacing had some hiccups—think of my jogging attempts, which start strong but then… wheeze. Meka’s moments of introspection occasionally felt drawn out, and I wanted to nudge her along saying, “Girl, let’s get this sh*t moving!” Also, the term “dead body” kept jolting me out of the narrative. As a mortician, saying "decedent" feels more respectful and dignified, and I found myself internally protesting, “Kalynn, why you gotta do me like this?” The side characters, especially the creepy ones who were dropped into the mix, felt underdeveloped and left me longing for more backstory.
In spite of its minor quibbles, Make Me a Monster is a delightful, sparkling read that ignited my imagination and made it do literal cartwheels. It’s an exhilarating Halloween party where the punch is killer, but maybe the snacks are a little stale. If you’re someone who adores horror peppered with romance and enjoys a protagonist you could easily vibe with over coffee, then this book is for you.
Ultimately, I walked away feeling enchanted yet frustrated, much like how you feel after a perfect night out that had just a few awkward moments. So grab your copy (with lights on!) and get ready for a hauntingly beautiful experience that explores the complexities of life, love, and everything in between. Happy reading!